Booked in for section tmw - 2.5yo got first chickenpox spot yesterday

[cremedelacreme]

At least, I think it's the pox. Mum and dh both agree it looks like it.

So, what do i do? I have immunity (probably) because I had CP as a child. So I'm more worried about newborn getting it in early week/s. Assuming dd will need to go stay with relatives until spot/s have crusted over (so sad we'll be parted). But do I need to pre warn maternity unit? Is there anything they will do - for me/newborn? So worried when I read about dangers of newborns getting CP ... Do I need to dettol eg. Baby gym that dd has been playing with while getting excited about new baby?

Any advice welcome ...

I'd give mat unit/midwives a ring and ask them their advice. Newborns don't always catch CP if exposed as they have lots of natural immunity. I do know a few very young babies (including one of 4 days old) who caught it from older siblings, and had it very mildly.

You don't need to disinfect anything your dd has touched played on - CP is airbourne; the germs don't hand around on surfaces.

My DD came down with it the day that DS was born. We were in a total panic as she had been hiding the first spot so she could come to the hospital to see him(she was the last in her class to succumb...) the paediatric consultant at the hospital said not to worry, as he was under six months he would have my immunity. They spent time together while she was still infectious and he was fine. I wouldn't worry, enjoy your new baby =)

Don't worry - toddler will be covered in a day or two but will be crusted over and not infectious within a week from now at the very most. U will be in hospital presumably for a few of those days. Highly unlikely baby will get it as baby will have your immunity and if you breastfeed they will be even more covered. I've had 2.5 year old with it and 8 month old ds2 didn't get it.

I agree with lollystix, although my fully breastfed baby (3 months, no problems btw) did get it... but I'd also ask the unit for their advice.

Hi im in same situation, im 39+4 and my 2 an a half year old has just come down with chicken pox. My midwife said as long as your immune then baby should be fine.

Brilliant timing though isnt it.

Friends ds caught chicken pox from her shingles at 11 weeks old. Her older child got it too. I would definitely keep a very close eye on the baby as well as (and this sucks) keep dd away from the baby as much as possible. :(

DS came down with CP when DD was 6 days old. I was mainly ffing. We kept them apart until DS's spots crusted over - DH stayed mainly with DS while I stayed in the bedroom with DD. DD came out in 6 spots, and I was very, very stressed as CP can be serious in newborns, however that was as bad as it got. The GP said that she had my immunity, and that she will probably get CP again as 6 spots isn't enough to trigger immunity.

It was really upsetting to have to keep them apart, but it didn't affect how much they love each other (they are 6 and 3 now), and it was only for a few days until DS was not contagious.

Breastfeeding is your friend with this issue!

Good luck!